Sermons

Introduction: You may or may not know this, but it’s a historical recorded fact that Jesus Christ rose from the dead on the first Easter Morn’! It was recorded by eye witnesses of His Life, His Death, and His Resurrection from the dead, just 3 days after His crucifixion! Do you believe this? Today, we will walk through the Book of John and see the many times that we are admonished to “believe”, right up to the point of Christ Resurrection, and ultimately to the final declaration of Jesus to all His disciples in John 20:31!

THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST……IT’S TIME TO BELIEVE! (John 20: 31 – Will you finally believe, all that follows?)

John 1:1-13 – All who receive Him and believe in His name become children of God! John 3:16-18 – All who believe in Him are given eternal life!
John 6:28-29, 47, 66-69 – All who believe in Him “is” the work of God!
John 7:37-39 – All who believe in Him have streams of living water flowing from within! John 11:25-27, 40-44 – All who believe in Him will never die!

John 12:44-46 – All who believe in Him no longer live in darkness!
John 14:27-29 – All who believe in Him will know He is God at His resurrection! John 16:29-33 – All who believe in Him brings us in harmony (“in sync”) with Him! John 20:1-31* – All who believe in Him will see and experience the power of His

resurrection in their lives and are to “Stop doubting and believe!”

Notes: Romans 6:4 – “We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we to may live a new life.”

Conclusion: One might say that from John 20:31, the Apostle only selected seven of the many miracles Jesus did, which 35 specific ones are recorded as special signs so that all people would believe! Jesus has claimed His deity all throughout His ministry, and all His miracles are a continual testimony to the fact that He is truly, the Son of God. Yet, the greatest miracle of all is the fact of His resurrection from the dead, just like He said it would happen! So, all that’s left for you, and me to do is, to believe in Him! I leave you with this question: “Do you believe?”

Let’s Pray! 🙂

Note: The other three gospel passages for study on the Resurrection: Matthew 28:1-7, Mark 16:1-8, Luke 24:1-12)

Introduction: When we come to what’s been known as “Palm Sunday” we have to come to grips with the fact that Jesus was riding into Jerusalem that day on a borrowed donkey with throngs of people hailing Him as the Son of David, the King of Israel, the One who comes in the name of the Lord! All these things were true, but the sadly interesting thing about those people then, is the same as so many today, most really didn’t know who He was, even though the things they were declaring about Him were true! Before we begin, let’s answer this question: “Who do you say Jesus is?” In John’s account of this experience, he mentions some certain folk who had come to Jerusalem, on this day, earnestly desiring to see Jesus! The next question we might ask ourselves is this: “Did we come to see Jesus today, or someone or something else?”

– “King of Israel” has a clear Messianic significance, again from – Zech 9:9

– Jesus miracles testify of His Lordship – John 12:17-18

– Popularity of Jesus infuriates the Pharisees – John 12:19

– Yet, even some Greeks came to see Jesus, and worship God – John 12:20-21

– Bottom Line: “Who have you come to see and worship today?”Notes:Conclusion: It’s interesting that the song of the people in Jerusalem at the Triumphal Entry of Jesus means; ‘Save us now!” This makes me ask just how many folk in our day, are singing this song in their hearts today? The Greeks on this day were seeking Christ and His ever widening influence. So ask yourself this question right now; “Have I celebrated Christ triumphal entry into my own life?” I can say to each and every one of you today, “It was over 42 years ago that I received Christ into my life, and have never regretted that decisions one time since nor ever will!” My pray is that before we leave this time together right now, that you will to! Let’s Pray! 🙂

Introduction: In Romans 12:1-2 the Apostle Paul admonishes us to live the “transformed life” by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, not only before God, but before one another, and the entire world. This “transformation” by the righteousness of Christ is to be lived in love toward all our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, just as it is to be lived in honor toward those who are outside Christ’s Body, which is the Church, as well!

THE CHRISTIAN SPIRIT TOWARDS THE WORLD 1 – Leave No Room for Retaliation – “Christ’s example”

3 – Seek to Live Peaceably – “With All Men…as much as Possible!”
– Ecclesiastes 10:4 – Return a calm disposition when confronted with a bad temper! – Hebrews 12:14 – It takes calm Christ-like efforts, to get along with one another!
– James 3:17-18 – Seek to treat all people with dignity and honor!

Notes: As believers we are to seek to cultivate a peaceable spirit towards all!

4 – Be An Overcomer At All Times – “Blessings bestowed upon those who are!”
– Revelation 2:7, 17, 26 – Resist temptation, be steadfast, and receive spiritual riches! – Revelation 3:5, 12, 21 – Be watchful, preserver, your name is in the Book of Life!
– Revelation 12:11 – Live one’s testimony, cleansed by the Blood of the Lamb!
– Revelation 21:7 – All overcomers inherit the spiritual blessing of God’s presence!

Notes: Remember that, being an overcomer is to be a large part of our Christian witness!

Conclusion: Let us come to grips with the fact that here in Romans 12, we find that it is God’s desire for us in Christ Jesus, to live according to His Word in our relationships with un-believers. In such a relationship, we must resist the impulse to act in a manner unworthy of our relationship with Christ, but to follow His supreme example even as how to live in relationship with those who would do evil to us! Its been stated in another way: “As true believers in Christ Jesus we must resist the temptation to retaliate, but rather promote our lives in Christ by doing good to those who would do evil to us. Therefore, we are to exhibit the life of “transformation” before a watching world!”

Introduction: Have you ever forgotten how to behave in certain situations? Well, here in Romans 12:9- 16, the Apostle Paul will keep us focused on how to behave while we walk the straight and narrow path of Christ! These 8 verses are packed with how we are to behave towards one another in the Body of Christ! And we are far better off for it when we do so, for the brotherhood of believers is expected to have a mutual love toward one another, verses a “who’s right and a who’s wrong attitude” too many groups an denominations portray! To that, someone ought to say: “AMEN!”

TO LOVE, HONOR, AND LIVE IN HARMONY WITH ONE ANOTHER

(Remember, we’re learning How to Behave as Believers, towards all other believers!)
– Love must be sincere – “without dissimulation-hypocrisy” – John 13:35
– Hate what is evil; cling to what is good – “abhor”-“hold fast to..be faithful and true to”

– Mourn with those who mourn – Jesus example again!! – John 11:1-44
– Live in harmony with one another – “Be of the same mind!” – Phil 2:1-2
– DO NOT be proud, but be willing to associate with people of love position – “Choose

to be humble instead…you’ll be better off for it in God’s eyes!” – Luke 11:43, 14:7-11 – DO NOT be conceited – ‘Come On!” – I Peter 5:5b-6, Proverbs 25:6-7a

Conclusion: Let us not forget that the Apostle Paul began Romans 12:1-3 with you and as believers being “transformed by the renewing of our minds”, and this “transformation” is to exhibited in love for one another, as well as love for all mankind! In fact, it’s been said that Proverbs 3:7 can be used as a summary to the teaching in these verses today; “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.” In other words, don’t always be like those who try to make you see eye to eye with the on all “spiritual matters and biblical interpretations”, but more importantly, and instead, be one who is willing to walk hand in hand with them, even though you might not see eye to eye with them on every matter! That just might represent “Love, Honor, and Living in Harmony with them”, more than just nicely agreeing with them on their point of view!

Introduction: In asking yourself these questions: “Do I think too little of myself?” or “Do I think too highly of myself?” We’re told that both are to be avoided in God’s eyes! In God’s eyes, an honest and accurate evaluation is knowing that our self-worth is found in our identity with Jesus! It’sbeensaid;“ApartfromJesus,wearenotcapableofverymuchbyeternalstandards; but in Him, we are valuable and capable of worthy service.” As we have all received “gifts” from God by His “grace”, for His “service” in the Church, we need to realize, these gifts were given to us for a reason………“they’re to be used”….but in a humble manner according to God’s Word! God’s gifts are a work of His grace, and therefore, we didn’t have anything to do with getting them, it’s all God’s work of Grace!

– Legacy of Peace – John 14:27, Revelations 2:26,28, 21:6Conclusion: Let me conclude with an interesting note on God’s Gifts of Grace, and how to use them effectively with these “Five Reminders” woven in our time today:
One: Realize that all gifts and abilities are God given.
Two: Understand that we all have different gifts.Three: Know who you are and what you do best.
Four: Give your gifts to God’s service first and not simply to your personal success.
Five: Be willing to use your gifts wholeheartly, not holding back anything from God’s service in His kingdom work!Let’s Pray! 🙂

Introduction: Last week we learned that it’s God’s will that we be sanctified. That we be “set apart” for God and God alone! We learned this is our “spiritual act of worship”, and that we are to not “conform any longer to the patter of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our minds” As God does this transforming work in our minds and hearts, it’s then, that we learn to “test and approve what God’s will is—-His good, pleasing, and perfect will.” Its God’s Good, God’s Pleasing, and God’s Perfect will, and that we’ll be looking at today!

xTESTING AND APPROVING GOD’S WILL – (O.C. – The Cost of Sanctification) – I Thess 4:3 KJV To Test and Approve God’s Will – “Test Me and Prove Me in this”…Malachi 3:10

God’s Will on One Hand – We were created on purpose, for a purpose, and that purpose is spelled out all through Scripture in God’s will for our lives. God’s

will can be said to be “God’s Desire” for His creation, especially those who have become believers in Jesus Christ. And it can even be shared on “one hand” beginning with the thumb: LOVE, SERVE, HONOR, OBEY, and WORSHIP God! We could keep going on the other hand, with things like: TRUST, WHOLEHEARTED DEVOTION, FAITHFULNESS, JOY and the list goes on and on, but will leave it with these 5 above!

God’s Good Will – Psalm 100 – “To give Thanks and Praise to God for He is good!”
Psalm 23:6, 25:8, 34:8, 119:68, and 145:7 – “More from the Psalmist!”

God’s Pleasing Will – Hebrews 13:21 & Philippians 4:18 – “To live for God in an acceptable I John 3:22 manner and life!”

Conclusion: It’s in knowing and doing God’s will, that we will find our greatest joy in our relationship with Him, through our faith in His Son Jesus Christ, who is our Lord, Messiah, Savior and soon coming King of Kings & Lord of Lords! This is the same “joy” Jesus declared in John 17:13 as He prayed to the Father on behalf of His disciples! “I am coming to You now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of My joy within them.” O’ the joy of knowing and doing God’s will for our lives!

Somebody say: AMEN! 🙂

Sorry for the feed back in the audio we are having minor difficulties with the recorder.

Introduction: In the previous eleven chapters the Apostle Paul has taken us through some very deep and heavy doctrine. But doctrine is never taught from God’s Word to be an end in itself. Doctrine is always taught in order that is may be translated into practice, or how we are to live as believers. Yes, the righteousness of God has been very clearly seen in the first eleven chapters as to “what we are to believe,” but now the Apostle shifts our attention in the next four chapters, Romans 12:1-15:13, as to “how we are to behave!” The bottom line in these next

four chapters is that the righteousness of God is to produce “in all who believe” a life of transformation!” Just as the Apostle John declares in John 13:17 – “Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” Sounds to me like we’re going to learn how to live out our faith each day!! 🙂

OUR PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY IS TO BE LIVING SACRIFICES – Romans 12:1-2

1Therefore, I urge you, brothers – Philippians 4:1 – Same word as in “I urge you to live a life…”

In view of God’s mercy – Romans 8:35-39 – Of what was past and still to come in their lives!

To offer your bodies as a living sacrifices – Romans 6:13, 16, and 19 – “To Present or Yield our bodies to God!” Why? Because of God’s mercy!

2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world – I Peter 1:14-16

But be transformed (Greek – “metamorphoo!”) by the renewing of your mind – I Peter 1:13

Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – Ephesians 5:17-21

His good, pleasing and perfect will. – I Thessalonians 4:3a Notes:

Conclusion: We’ve just seen in Romans 12:1-2, and all throughout the book of Romans, that God has good and perfect plans for all who believe, both Jew and Gentile alike! His desire is that all who do believe be transformed believers with a renewed mind, who live to honor God in obedience to all He has given us to do in His Word. A good question to ask here is; “Why?” The Word tells us it’s because God wants only what is best for His children, and that is why He gave us His Son Jesus Christ to make this new life in Him possible! This being so, with the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, empowering us to live such a life, that we should then live in a spirit of joy as we give our lives wholeheartedly in service and sacrifice for Him.

Introduction: Have you ever asked yourself these kinds of questions: “Who is wiser than God?” “Who has more knowledge than our Creator?” “Who has always known the mind of the Lord?” “Who has ever been His counselor….well, who could be His counselor?” “Who has anything to give God, that He should feel obligated to repay them for it!?” Unfortunately, many if not most folk today think they do know more than God does, and will tell you and I so, and even God Himself so! They even think they can tell God what to do, and declare that He even owes them something! The truth of the matter is, He is God, and we are His creation, made to worship and adore Him. If it’s alright with you, that’s just what I’d like to do in our service time together today, worship and adore our Creator God just as Paul is doing here in Romans 11:33- 36 with this “Doxology of Praise.”

“WISDOM OF GOD’S DIVINE PURPOSES ENVOKES PRAISE” – Romans 11:33-36 33”Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!

How unsearchable His judgements, and His paths beyond tracing out! – Ephesians 3:8-12

34”Who has known the mind of the Lord? (Good question here!) Or who has been His counselor?” (Another good question!)

– Ephesians 1:9-14

– Colossians 1:24-27 -35”Who has ever given to God, that God should repay Him?” (Yes, one more good question!)

– Exodus 19:5

– Psalm 24:1-236”For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen.”

– Ephesians 3:20-21 – Somebody say: AMEN! – Here!!

Conclusion: We’ve seen in the last eleven chapters of Romans, that God has used Paul to show that the human race is split into two segments; Jew and Gentile. Even though the promises of God were given to the Jew, they failed to receive them and even crucified the Lord Jesus Christ, the fulfiller of them! This act resulted in the Lord expanding those promises to the Gentiles! But, God has declared through His Word here in the Book of Romans that He will once again restore Israel to Himself and have mercy on not only them, but on the Gentiles as well. So it was this plan of God that brought this transcendent praise to Him by the Apostle Paul that we’ve just experienced in Romans 11:33-36. It is my prayer that we will all find it in our hearts to give such praise to God for all He has done for us as well. Let’s Pray! 🙂

Introduction: Who is the person you know to be always faithful in your life? They will be one you trust and can rely upon at all times! I doubt anyone can fit that mold always, for we are finite, and not infinite! But, I do know one who’s “faithfulness” we can always be assured of and who can be trusted with our very lives…..His name…..well, it’s; Yahweh, Elohim, El Shaddai, Jehovah, the Lord God Almighty! Yes, this is what we are to believe, that both Jew and Gentile alike can trust the “Faithfulness of God”, as we’ll see in our study today!

– Revelation 1:5, 19:11Conclusion: Let me conclude from the Word with a few more scriptures concerning God’s “faithfulness”, for nothing says it better than God’s Word: It’s INCOMPARABLE: Psalm 89:8 – “O Lord of hosts, Who is mighty like You, O Lord? Your faithfulness also surrounds You!”It’s UNFAILING: Psalm 89:33 – “Nevertheless My lovingkindness I will not utterly take from him, nor allow My faithfulness to fail.” And finally – It’s EVERLASTING: Psalm 119:90 – “Your faithfulnessendurestoallgenerations;Youestablishedtheearth,anditabides.” Tohear these words, we as God’s people can know from His word, and believe it in hearts, that God in His faithfulness will never forget nor forsake His nation of Israel and neither should we.Somebody say: AMEN! 🙂

Due to technical difficulties with the audio recorder no podcast is available. Sorry for the inconvenience.

January 24, 2016

Due to technical difficulties with the audio recorder no podcast is available. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Introduction: When we think about coming into a “New Year” we usually think back to the one we just lived! When we do, we might want to look at what we need to do different or maybe even what we might need to do that’s “new”! Today, we’ll take a walk through the Word beginning in Ezekiel 36 and the move our way along to the second to the last chapter of the Bible in Revelation 21! It’s amazing as to how many times we find God’s Word speaking to us about things that are “new”, or things that should be “new” as we live our lives for Him!

It’s interesting, that the word “new” found in God’s Word, literally means: “Of a different nature from what is contrasted as old.” Thus, the “new man” we’ll talk about today means; “will be of a different character from that of this world,” as in “newness of life” found in Romans 6:4 which means; “a new quality of life!” This “new life” in Christ is made possible for us to live, by the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling within all who believe!

“A FEW NEW THINGS”
One: A New Heart and a New Spirit – Ezekiel 36:26
Notes: (Interesting that Ezekiel 36:26 is followed with Ezekiel 37 and the Valley of Dry Bones!)

Five: A Few New Things…Like New Heavens and New Earth! – Isaiah 65:17
Notes: (Revealed to us by God Himself: Isaiah 66:22, 2 Peter 3:13, Revelation 21:1)

Six: God’s Mercies are New Every Morning: Lamentations 3:19-26 (:22-23***) Notes: (“It just dosen’t get any better than this!!!”)

Seven: All Things Made New by God: Revelation 21:5** Notes: (This is a new life we can look forward to every day!)

Conclusion: It’s God’s great desire to give each of us a “New Heart” and a “New Spirit”! God’s desire in doing so is to transform our lives by empowering us to do His will. No matter how impure our lives have been, or maybe even are right now, God offers all of us a “fresh start” a “New Start.” Why try to just patch up our old lives, when God is offering us a “New Life!” A new life in Him, by faith in is Son Jesus Christ! No better way to start a New Year, than by a New and Living Faith in the One True God.

Introduction: As we’ve come to this fourth week of “Advent”, we’ve come to know that if Christmas is about anything, it’s about love, God’s Love! In John 3:16 Jesus Himself declared: “For God so loved the world that He gave His One and only Son, that whoever believes in Him may have eternal life.” And we know God did just that, for the Apostle Luke declares in Luke 2:10 this announcement to shepherds keeping watch over their flocks by night: “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find the baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Yes, the greatest gift of love that God has given mankind is the gift of His Son Jesus Christ, whom we celebrate not just at Christmas, but every day for all who believe!

GOD’S LOVE FROM THE BEGINNING
–From Genesis the Book of Beginnings: Genesis 49:10 – Jesus, God’s Scepter from Judah! –On to the Book of Deuteronomy: Deuteronomy 18:15 – Jesus, part of God’s plan!
–To a quick walk through the Psalm’s: Psalm 16:10 – Jesus, not to be abandoned to the grave!

Psalm 118:22a – Jesus, the Stone the builders rejected! Psalm 118:22b – Jesus, yet He was the capstone that holds all of

life together!
–To Isaiah, the prophet of all prophets: Isaiah 7:14 – Jesus, is Immanuel, who’d become “God

with us!”

Isaiah 9:6 – Jesus, the light of God who would be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.

–Then we hear from the prophet Micah: Micah 5:2 – Jesus, would be born in Bethlehem! –Then as we come to the New Testament we hear first from Matthew: Matthew 1:20-23 –

That Jesus would come from Mary’s womb in fulfillment of the prophecy we just read in Isaiah 7:14!

–Finally we now come to Luke 2:1-20, who gives us the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, just as we read in Micah 5:2!

Notes:

Conclusion: So how do we conclude on such wonderful news as we’ve just heard from God’s Word, but as we began: If Christmas is about anything, it’s about love, God’s love: John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that He gave His One and only Son, that whoever believers in Him may have eternal life.” Yes, the gift of God’s love that came at Christmas is Christ. I pray that you will make room for Him in your hearts this “Advent Season.”

Introduction: One great thing we can celebrate at this Advent Season is the fact that God has given us “HOPE” in His Son Jesus Christ! Yes, we can have “HOPE” because our God is faithful and always keeps His promises. This “HOPE” does not come from anything of man, or this world, but from God and God alone. Paul quotes Isaiah who says; “The Root of Jesse will spring up, One who will rule over the nations; the Gentiles will hope in Him.” May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:12-13 The writer of Hebrews declares: “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.” Hebrews 6:19-20

JESUS CHIRST THE HOPE OF THE WORLD
From the Old Testament Psalms & the Prophet Jeremiah:
As in putting ones Hope in God’s unfailing love! – Psalm 33:18
As waiting in Hope before God who is our help and shield! – Psalm 33:20
As God’s unfailing love rests upon us even as we put our Hope in Him! – Psalm 33:22
As one looking to Hope in God alone for his salvation! – Psalm 39:7
As with a downcast soul that looks in Hope to God as his Divine Helper! – Psalm 42:11
As one who has looked in Hope to God with confidence all his life! – Psalm 72:5
As one blessed whose Hope is in the Lord his God/Maker of heaven and earth! – Psalm 146:5-6 As one who is his Hope/Refuge in the day of disaster/evil! – Jeremiah 17:17
Notes:

From three New Testament Writers:
As in putting our Hope in that which does not/will not disappoint! – Romans 5:1-5
As in an eternal Hope stored up in heaven for all who believe! – Colossians 1:5
As our Only Hope of Glory! – Colossians 1:27
As in waiting for that blessed Hope and glorious appearing of Christ our Savior! – Titus 3:11-14 As in receiving a “Better Hope” that is found in Christ Jesus alone! – Hebrews 7:18-19
As in holding unswervingly to the Hope in Christ that we profess! – Hebrews 10:23
As in being sure of what we Hope for and certain of what we do not see! – Hebrews 11:1-2
As being given a new birth into a living Hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ! – I Peter 3:3-4 As in setting our Hope fully on the grace to be given us when Jesus Christ returns! – I Peter 3:13 Notes:

Conclusion: And FINALLY, at the beginning of this Christmas Season, let us be prepared daily to heed the Apostle Peter’s admonition: As to…”But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for THE HOPE that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect!” – I Peter 3:15 Forget not, that our Hope in Jesus Christ is a favorable and confident hope that outweighs all other things in this life that seek to erase it! Yes, our Hope in Jesus Christ is a hope that will never ever disappoint.

Introduction: The word “gratitude” denotes an expression of “being grateful” or of “giving thanks” for something someone has done for you. So, if you were given the chance to thank the Lord Jesus Christ for anything today, what would it be? Well, today is the day and right now is the time, to do just that! “Who will be first?”

A Time of Giving Thanks as a Fellowship of Believers!

– One Thing for sure that my Father taught me!

– One Thing you are grateful to God for today!

– One Thing we are grateful to God for as a Body of Believers called AICF!One Leper with the Grateful Heart! – Luke 17:15-16

– Reverse – Mark 5:22-23 – By the Ruler Jairus!

– Humility – John 11:32 – Mary the Sister of Lazarus!

– Thankfulness – Psalm 100 – This is How We Are to Enter into God’s Presence!Nine Lepers with Ungrateful Hearts! – Luke 17:17-18

– Irreverence – Psalm 10:4** – No room in man’s heart for God!

– Ingratitude – Romans 1:21 – No attitude of gratitude here!

– Thanklessness – 2 Timothy 3:2 – No Thanksgiving unto God in these latter Days!Conclusion: I want to close with the lyrics from Don Moen’s song: “GIVE THANKS”Give thanks with a grateful heart
Give thanks to the Holy One
Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son
X2
And now let the weak say, “I am strong”
Let the poor say, “I am rich because of what the Lord has done for us” X2
Give thanks with a grateful heart
Give thanks to the Holy One
Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son
X2
And now let the weak say, ‘I am strong”
Let the poor say “I am rich
Because of what the Lord has done for us”
X2
Give thanks!

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:6-10 (NKJV)

Sowing For A New Harvest Law #1

We Reap ________________________________________________________________

Law #2

We Reap ________________________________________________________________

Law #3

We Reap _______________________________________________________________

Law #4

We Can’t Do Anything About Last Years Harvest, But We Can About This Year’s!

Seeds That Produce the Life You Always Wanted

Sow the seeds of _________________________________
Sow the seeds of _________________________________
Sow the seeds of _________________________________
Sow the seeds of _______________________________________________________ Sow the seeds of _______________________________________________________

Introduction: The groundwork for Chapter 10 of Romans has already been laid out in Romans 9:30-33, which we looked at last week. Paul has demonstrated that the responsibility for the lack of “righteousness” lies squarely on the shoulders of the individual! Even so, the Apostle Paul cannot get over the plight of his Jewish brothers and sisters. For he begins Chapter 10: “Brothers (which means “sisters” to!), my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites that they may be saved.” Romans 10:1 Paul lays this desire longingly before God, but does demonstrate that man alone is responsible for his lost condition, and not God Himself! For the emphasis here in Romans 10, as we’ll see, is on God’s righteousness and why Israel lacks it! Why? They sought, once again, to establish a righteousness of their own, and rejected God’s offer of righteousness-by-faith, apart from the law.

Conclusion: Paul, once again, declares his love and concern for his fellow Israelites, by declaring his desire that they all be saved. And again, through Romans 10:1-13, Paul lays the ground work for the human responsibility in salvation, which arises out of the fact that the gospel is offered to all, irrespective of national heritage. Yes, the same grace God has shown to the Jew is the same grace He has shown to the Gentile, which again, Paul declares can save both! Let’s Pray! 🙂

Introduction: Today we’ll look at what the Jews of Paul’s day did by seeking after a “law- righteousness” instead of a ‘faith-righteousness”, and what it did in their hearts so as to cause them to stumble and fall over the “Rock of offense”, Jesus Himself being that “Rock.” Strange, and sad at the same time, is that this same “Rock” brings salvation to those who believe, and sure death and destruction to those who continue to live in un-belief! It’s either fall on the “Rock” and be saved, or continue in un-belief and be crushed by it!

– Trusting in Works – Luke 18:9-14* (Romans 10:3)Notes:Three: Jesus, a “Stumbling Stone” and a “Rock of Offense” to the Jews – Romans 9:32-33a – “The Stumbling Stone” – Isaiah 8:14, Matthew 11:6, I Corinthians 1:23, I Peter 2:8 – “Rock of Offense” – Isaiah 8:14, Matthew 13:57, Mark 6:3, I Peter 2:8Notes:Four:Notes:Conclusion: Let’s close with a summary of Matthew Henry’s commentary on Romans 9:30-33: “The believing fear of God preserves against the disquieting fear of man. For the Lord, He will be a Sanctuary to those who trust in Him, yet a Stone of stumbling, and a Rock of offense, to those who make the creature their fear and their hope! If the things of God be an offense to us, they will also become an undoing for us!! The Apostle Peter quotes this as to all who persisted in un-belief of the gospel of Christ, (I Peter 2:8). Yes, the crucified Christ, who was and is a Stumbling-stone and Rock of offense to the un-believing Jews, is no less the same to thousands of those who call themselves “Christians”, but live as though they are not! The preaching of the cross is foolishness in their esteem; His doctrines and precepts…………….well, they offend them!”Let’s Pray! 🙂

Introduction: Today, like last week, we’ll see how God in the Old Testament shows Himself righteous and merciful to Israel, and how He does the same in the New Testament to all who believe! We can never say God is un-righteous or un-merciful, for both of those cannot exist in the nature of who God is! Listen to the Psalmist declare them both: “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love (mercy) and faithfulness (truth) go before You.” Psalm 89:14 “All the ways of the Lord are loving (mercy) and faithful (truth) for those who keep the demands of his covenant.” Psalm 25:10 Let’s take a closer look at both God’s righteousness and mercy, and find our true blessing in both of them!

– Yahweh, the Helper of Israel, the Helper of ALL who trust in Him – Isaiah 41:8-10Notes: Deuteronomy 4:8Man’s Hardness of Heart toward God – Romans 9:18

– Pharaoh’s harden heart was given over to him – Exodus 8:15, 19*, 32, 9:7*, 34*,14:8**

– Brings ultimate exclusion from God’s rest – Psalm 95:8-11

– Let us heed wisdom from the Word – Proverbs 28:13-14Notes: (Romans 1:26 – “God gave them over to”..)Conclusion: We’ve learned today that God’s mercy, in the deepest sense, is an attribute of His that He gives to His creation. Also, we’ve learned that the Old Testaments main word for mercy denotes a combination of righteousness and love! The ultimate result of our relationship with God is a readiness on His part to relieve the oppressed among us, and by His mercy, pardon the guilty. It’s been said that; “It is in the context of relief and pardon that God’s righteous love becomes mercy. His mercy is compassion in action!” And are we not grateful for that!!Somebody say: AMEN! 🙂

Introduction: In chapter 8 of Romans, the Apostle Paul will clearly show that the true course of the Believers life is one in which we are set free from the Law of sin an death, by the Law of the Spirit of new life in Christ Jesus! He states this in verse 2: “…because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.” Paul is clearly stating that a new power and a new life is in operation now in all who believe! This kind of life is a life lived in the Spirit of Christ! We can even state it in an even greater way, that this new life is like a strong wind that has magnificently cleared the air, freeing us from a fated lifetime of brutal tyranny at the hands of sin and death. Bottom line; the Holy Spirit has given all who believe the power they need to live the Christian life!

THE POWER OF THE SANCTIFIED LIFE

One: The Holy Spirit Delivers us from the Power of the Flesh! – Romans 8:1-11
– Emancipated Living – We’ve been set free from the curse of sin and death and the Law –

The Holy Spirit Assures us of a Future Glory! – Romans 8:18-30
Expectant Living – We can expect God to work on our behalf, as we love, serve, and live for Him – Romans 8:28*

(Psalm 32:10, Proverbs 3:5-6, 25-26, Hebrews 13:5-6)

Four: The Holy Spirit Assures us of a Final Victory! – Romans 8:31-39
Exultant Living – We can not only expect to live in a victorious faith in this life, but O’ the glory to come in the next one – Romans 8:37

Conclusion: Yes, the Holy Spirit has done a grand job of speaking through the Apostle Paul in Romans 8 by showing us the contrast of a life dominated by the flesh, and one that is yielded
up to, and controlled by the Spirit! For those who belong to Jesus, are those who are controlled and led by the same Spirit that led Him. May all who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ and His finished work on the Cross of Calvary know this; that in Him and under the control of and leadership of the Holy Spirit is a life that God will neither condemn nor cast away! Let’s us forever praise the name of the Lord God Almighty!

Introduction: As we come to Romans chapter 7, we must realize that the Apostle Paul is now giving the view of the Sanctified life and the Law in verses: 1-14, and the Sanctified life and the conflict within in, in verses: 15-24. He concludes on how to live such a Sanctified life in verse :25, by “yielding” ourselves completely to Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit with in! He will proceed to share the assurance of our new life in Christ, and the Sanctified life lived in the power of the Spirit, in all of Romans chapter 8!

– The Purpose of the Law – Romans 3:20, 5:20, 7:7, Galatians 3:19-24*, I Timothy 1:8-11

– The Perfect Law – Psalm 19:7, 119:142, Romans 7:12-14, I Timothy 1:8 Notes:THE SANCTIFIED LIFE AND THE CONFLICT WITHIN
The Struggle within Us – (Life lived in the Power of Self!) – Romans 7:15-25 (8:1-3, 13:8-10!)

– With the Flesh – Romans 7:18-20, 24-25, 8:6-8, 13, Galatians 5:16-18, 6:7-8, (The works of the flesh: Galatians 6:19-21), I John 2:15-17

– Our Helplessness – Luke 3:11, John 5:7, Acts 3:2, Romans 5:6, 7:18

– Yet, Jesus is our Liberator – Luke 11:14, Romans 8:2, Galatians 5:1 Notes:Conclusion: We should not think of Romans 7 as a normal hypothetical case. It is an actual picture of the internal strife caused by the Law of Sin against the Law of the Spirit in Paul’s life! We should therefore, not look at this to be the normal Christian experience, for Paul has already instructed us how to avert this internal strife. Romans 6 presented us the proper way to sanctified life by being dead to sin and alive unto God; and Romans 7 presented the improper way of trying to live the sanctified life in the power of the flesh! For to live the sanctified life we as believers must know well what Jesus has accomplished for us in our justification, daily recognizing that we have died with Him, and are alive unto righteousness, “yielding” ourselves completely to Him! For we can never expect to live this Christian life in the power of anyone else, especially by the power of self, or the “flesh,” other than Jesus!Somebody say: AMEN! 🙂

Introduction: In this second half of Romans 6:17, Paul mentions that we should thankful to God that, although we were the servants of sin, nevertheless we have now obeyed God from the heart the form of teaching (doctrine) we are now taught…or…”that mold of teaching into which we have been now cast!” Scholars tell us that the Christian life is represented under the notion of a “mold” or “die” into which we are cast, and from which we take the impression of its excellence. Interesting, the figure upon this “die” is the image of God, righteousness, and true holiness, which was stamped on our souls as we believed in the gospel and received the Holy Spirit!

– It’s a way of declaring the Praises of God! – I Peter 2:9Notes:#3 – It’s a Commanded Way – (That we are to walk in!)

– We are to be a “kingdom of Priests” and a “holy people” unto God! – Exodus 19:6

– God has brought us out of Egypt (the world) to live for Him in holiness! – Leviticus 11:45

– God enables us to live the sanctified life for Him! – Luke 1:74

– Practice makes perfect!  – 2 Corinthians 7:11

– We’re to make every effort to live a life of Holiness and sanctification! – Hebrew 12:4

– Simply, “BE HOLY!” don’t just talk it, but walk it! – I Peter 1:16

– It’s what we “ought” to do! It means, “One must do it!” or “You need to doit!” Finally, as believers, we are “bound to do it, for we must do it!” – 2 Peter 3:11 Notes:Conclusion: We are to be God’s workmanship, living unto true holiness as believers in Jesus Christ, for a lost and dying world to see! And in seeing, perhaps come to faith in the life of the One we profess, the Lord Jesus Christ Himself!! Yes, we have now been made free from sin and the finished character as far as God is concerned, is a genuine Christ like Character! A character that’s been transferred from the service of one master, sin itself, to that of another, our Lord Jesus Christ, engaged in the service of God, under the control of God the Holy Spirit, bearing His fruit in our lives, leading to holiness! Somebody say: “AMEN!” :-)Editor’s note: Dead to Sin in Practice – i.e. – As God’s children, we are to live a Holy, Godly, Sanctified lives, in Christ Jesus, by the power and leadership of God the Holy Spirit!

Introduction: It’s here in Romans 6 that my favorite verse of scripture in all of Romans is found (and that says a lot considering all the amazing verses in this amazing letter to the Church at Rome): Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death,in order that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.” Romans 6:4 NASB Newness of life is perhaps Paul’s major theme in all of Romans, for that’s just what God has given to all who believe in the finished work of Jesus Christ upon the Cross of Calvary, “a newness of life!”

(Read something the other day that I’d like to summarize it for you: “The world tell us that we are a nut for being a Christian, but unlike the world, we are fastened to the best, the strongest, and the most secure bolt in all of life both now and forever more………and His name is Jesus!”)

DEAD TO SIN and SELF – ALIVE IN CHRIST JESUS Dead to Sin – Romans 6:2

– Dead to sin alive unto God in Christ Jesus – Romans 6:7, 11

– The Sinful nature has been crucified – Galatians 2:20 & 5:24

– Jesus died for our sins that we’d live for righteousness – I Peter 2:24Notes:The Believers New Walk – Romans 6:4

– A New Lie – Romans 6:4, 8:1

– A New Faith – 2 Corinthians 5:7

– A New Spirituality – Galatians 5:16

– A New Love – Ephesians 5:2

– A New Caution – Ephesians 5:15

– A New Illumination – I John 1:7

– A New Christlikeness – I John 2:6Notes:As Believers Temptation is to Be Resisted – Romans 6:13

– Lawless men are everywhere! – Proverbs 1:10 & 4:14

– By the devil and his co-harts! – Ephesians 6:10-18

– To become an “apostate!” – 2 Peter 3:17-18Notes:Conclusion: As tough as Romans 6 is we need to know that it is impossible to be neutral. All of us have a master——either God or sin itself! As believers we can sin, but in Christ Jesus we no longer are slaves to it! We belong to God!! We are now free to choose between two masters, but not free to control the consequences of our choices! Both masters will pay with their own currency; sin pays with death, but God gives the gift of eternal life in Christ Jesus! This life in Christ begins now as we are living on earth, and will continue forever when we see Him as He is. The only real question then is this, what choice have you made? Let’s Pray! 🙂

 Not A Sunday School Story Anymore …. Joshua 6:20-21God _________ ____ AND He gives _______ ___ _______.

 Jericho
Included in God’s promises to Abraham was the following odd comment: Genesis 15:16This is vital to understanding the story of Jericho and the grace we will discover today.

 Rahab the Harlot Joshua 2:8-11Grace _________!Joshua 6:24-25 So she dwells in Israel to this day,  The Rest of the Story Matthew 1:5 Labels
In some way Rahab’s story is our story.Rahab’s label was _____ __ _________ to God! This is the way of Grace…Grace doesn’t demand … Grace assists!
Grace is ______ ____ ______ and quick ____ ________.

Introduction: A decade ago, I wrote these words down while reading and studying through Romans 5 – “Hope is the trustworthiness of God, the true belief of His existence, and the faith that He cares for His creation”. Romans 5:5 declares, “And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our heart by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.” Those are powerful and encouraging words, because they are not just “words,” for they come from the Word of God! I pray this has been an incredible journey so for through “The Letter to the Romans” and now that we are here in Chapter 5 of Romans today, that we would truly be encouraged by our walk in that hope! For Paul told the believers at Colosse that this “hope” is not disappointing, for it is; “…Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Colossians 1:27

“6 THINGS” from ROMANS 5
ONE – We have been JUSTIFIED before God – Romans 5:1
Notes: Justified: The test of reality in our Christian confession, is our steadfastness in the faith!

TWO – We have PEACE with God – Romans 5:1
Notes: Peace with God – Comes by being justified by faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ upon the Cross of Calvary!

THREE – We have direct ACCESS to God – Romans 5:2
Notes: Through Jesus we now have access, for Jesus has become our mediator, and common ground before God and with God, for He has justified us to come into God’s presence!

FOUR – We have and un-disappointing HOPE in God – Romans 5:2, 4, 5
Notes: Hope that is not disappointing is a concrete hope, not a changing one, but one that stands firm and will not disappoint us until we see Him as He is!

FIVE – We have been REDEEMED by God’s Demonstration of His Love – Romans 5:8-9 Notes: Salvation is the end result of redemption; redemption itself is the means.

SIX – We have been and are now RECONCILED to God – Romans 5:10-11
Notes: We are justified before God by Christ’s blood, reconciled before God by His death!

Conclusion: Here then is the “Bottom Line” to Romans 5, and it’s this; Therefore, we are not now a part of some religion or religious group, but we are now in a Relationship with the Almighty Creator of the Universe, who through the blood of His Son Jesus Christ, has now by faith reconciled all who believe, into His glorious presence! Now that’s worth shoutin’ about,

Introduction: The Apostle Paul, a Jew himself, really needs to establish for his fellow Jewish countrymen, that Abraham, who the Jews call their “Father”, was a man of faith, and not just works, when it came to being declared righteous by God! We’ll see today, the same goes for all of us Gentiles as well! Even though many among us today have grown up in the Church, and heard the Gospel message their entire life, read/studied their bibles, tithed and gave offerings, sat through 1,000’s of messages, etc…..they still cannot be declared righteous by these things alone, but need to, like Abraham, exercise the volition of their wills, and by faith believe God!

II. Abraham’s Righteousness was apart from Circumcision! – Romans 4:9-12
Genesis 15:6 – Abraham was declared righteous without the Rite of Circumcision! Romans 5:1 – We are justified by faith not circumcision, which gives us peace with God!

Notes: Church membership won’t save you!

III. Abraham’s Righteousness was apart from the Law! – Romans 4:13-15 Acts 13:39 – The Law cannot justify a man before God!
Galatians 3:24 – The Law given to lead to Christ!

Notes: I Corinthian 6:11 – The Trinity seen here in our Justification before God!

Conclusion: Just as Abraham never doubted God, may we do the same! For when we believe God, an exchange takes place, just as God gave Abraham a new name, God gives us a new name as well, “His Own or Born Again Believer or……Christian!” To live under God’s grace, that which is not earned, but given as a gift from God is the most incredible thing ever! For it’s only through Christ can we receive God’s righteousness, and that by faith being the only way we can be declared righteous before Him. Sadly though, there are most that choose to pass up God’s offer of this free gift of grace, to continue in their sin! Let us praise God daily for His Son Jesus Christ who was raise form the dead for our justification Let’s Pray! :-)!

Introduction: In the last two weeks, we saw in Chapter one that all men are without excuse before God, and in the chapter 2 that a Jew (Christian) is not a Jew simply by an outward show, but inwardly but faith in God and His Son Jesus Christ, from the heart! Today, we now journey through Chapter 3 to discover that no one is righteous before God on his own merit, and that true righteousness is obtained by faith, faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross and the power of His resurrection from the dead!

IT’S ALL ABOUT GOD’S FAITHFULNESS! – Romans 3:1-8
*Psalm 57:9-10 – “I will praise You, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing of You among the peoples. For great is Your love, reaching to the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the skies.” *Psalm 100:5 – “For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.”
*Lamentations 3:22-23 – “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. There are new every morning, great is Your faithfulness.”
Notes: Deuteronomy 7:9, 9:5, Psalm 36:5, 89:1, 105:8, Galatians 5:22 – (Fruit of the Spirit!)

THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS BORN OF THE DECISION OF MAN! – Romans 3:9-20 *Genesis 6:5 – “The Lord saw how great man’s wickedness on the earth had

become,…”
*Isaiah 64:6 – “All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf and like the wind our sins sweep us away.”
Notes: I Kings 8:46, Psalm 14:3, 53:3, Proverbs 20:9, Isaiah 53:6, I John 1:8, 10

MAN IS ONLY RIGHTEOUS BEFORE GOD THROUGH FAITH IN CHRIST! – Romans 3:21-31 **Genesis 15:6 – “Abram believed the Lord, and He credited it to him as righteousness.”
*Acts 13:38-39 – “Therefore, by brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through Him everyone who believes is justified (declared righteous before God) from everything you could not be justified from (declared righteous) by the Law of Moses.”
Notes: Romans 5:1, 18, Romans 9:30, I Corinthians 6:11, Galatians 3:24
(Are you refreshed each day in your soul and spirit by God’s grace and forgiveness through Christ’s sacrifice which makes all righteous before Him who believes? I am, each and every day….because for me, Jesus is enough!)

Conclusion: Praise God He saves us by faith! For one: Faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ upon the Cross of Calvary, and the power of His resurrection from the dead, eliminates the pride of mankind and his own efforts to try and save himself! Two: Faith in Christ exalts what God has done, and not what we can do! Faith admits that we can’t keep the law as shown in Romans 3, or measure up to God’s standards, for we need help! Finally: Faith is based on our relationship with God, and not on any performance we might do for Him!

Introduction: Today we’ll begin a journey, the magnitude of which will only be realized as we arrive at Chapter 16 after months of study. In fact, scholars tell us that God did His best work through Paul as the Holy Spirit guided him in writing the Letter to the Romans. Many great scholars and theologians such as: Karl Barth, Augustine, Martin Luther, and John Wesley, owe so much to this great work of the Christian faith. My prayer is that our journey through Romans will have a profound effect upon our lives as well.

“ROMANS” – Chapter One
* Servants of Jesus Christ – 1:1 Notes:

*The Promised Gospel of God – 1:1-7 Notes:

*Our Concern for Others – 1:8-15 Notes:

*The Power of God’s Word – 1:16-17 Notes:

*No Excuse’s Before God – 1:18-23 Notes:

*God Gave Them Over to Their Own Way – 1:24-32 Notes:

Conclusion: As we end this first day of our journey through Romans, I want to conclude with a summary of caution I read from a teacher of the Word this past week, and it’s this: “Let the student or listener beware! Do not begin a serious study of this Epistle to the Romans unless you are willing to bear the consequences. And understand this that reading and studying through Romans repeatedly, can result in a revival of the soul!” 

“There’s No God Like Jehovah!”
Exodus 8:10
Introduction: When we consider all the amazing aspects of who our God is, it can be such an encouragement to know, He is all things to us, at all times! There’s not a day that goes by that our God is not right there to comfort us. Right there to bring peace to our battered lives. Right there to rejoice in our victories. Right there to meet all our needs! Yes, our God is right there in our next breath, and right there with our next heartbeat. All we have to do experience His presence is pray!

Conclusion: The only conclusion one can come to is this, “Are we prepared to pray these names from the first waking moment of our day, to the last moment before we go to sleep!” Yes, these names of Jehovah our God can be a part of our every waking moment of every day of our lives, if we’ll embrace them as such! Enjoy beginning a newer and greater relationship with the Lord our God as you pray these names each day, throughout the day, until the night closes your eyes to sleep! Let’s Pray! 🙂

Introduction: Let’s begin our study today with a question: “What happens when you and I lose our focus?” One answer could be: “We are no longer walking by faith!” Several other answers could be: “We are no longer aiming for perfection!” or “We are no longer fixing their eyes on Jesus!” If we are to do anything in this life as believers, it is to keep our focus on Jesus, for He is the author and finisher of our faith. No one else can show us the way to eternal life but Christ and Him alone, as found in His Word!“GETTING A CLEAR FOCUS!”
F – Fixing our eyes on Jesus – Hebrews 12:1-3Notes:O – One….One Body, One Spirit, One Hope, One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism, One Father & God of us all – Ephesians 4:4-6
Notes:C – Consecrated Holy unto God – Numbers 32:12, Proverbs 23:36, Romans 12:1 Notes:U – Un-Wavering & Unified in our Faith – Philippians 3:7-9, I Thessalonians 5:23 Notes:S – Spirit Filled, Spirit Led, becoming Spiritually Strong – Luke 4:1, Isaiah 41:10 Notes:Conclusion: Bottom line is this; if your life is in focus right now, keep it that way! If you need to get a clearer focus, then get focused and stay focused. If you need to re-focus your life, then by all means, get down on your knees, and ask God to forgive you for getting that way in the first place, then get up and put your hands on the lens (God’s Word), and began getting a clearer focus on your relationship with Him! Yes, there’s no greater thing that can we do in these days ahead then to stay FOCUSED in our relationship with God through the lens of His Word!Somebody say: AMEN! 🙂

Introduction: Let’s begin our time today by sharing a good working definition of the word, Hope – “Hope is a favorable and confident expectation for something good in the future!” So, what is it that you “hope” for the most? Has what you “hoped” for, ever disappointed you? Who is it, that you put your “hope” in anyway?” or “On whom, have you set your “hope”?” All these questions beg answers, and from God’s word today, I “hope” to answer them! 🙂 Let’s begin!JESUS CHRIST OUR GREATEST HOPE
*Romans 5:1-5 – We can rejoice in the hope of the glory of God, for thishope in God will not disappoint us! What things have disappointed you? Can all things in this life always succeed and never disappoint?Notes:*Hebrews 6:19 – Our hope in Christ Jesus is anchor for our souls, just like the anchor of a large ship keeps it firm, secure, and immovable!Notes:*Colossian 1:27 – Our only hope of Glory, is Christ in us, by God’s amazing grace, through faith in Him!Notes:Conclusion: No greater One can we put our “hope” in, than in Jesus Christ! He has come from the Father to be the Savior of the world, and He is coming again. Is your “hope” in Him today? It can be! All it takes is an act of faith, and by God’s grace you shall be saved! And believe me, there is no greater “hope” one can have in this life, preparing for the next one, than in God’s Son Jesus Christ. For our Hope in God is in what He says will be, will come true. Yes, in God, we can have a moral certainty that the good we expect to happen, in God, will happen!Let’s Pray! :-)Additional verses for study on our “Hope” in God and His Son Jesus Christ: Acts 24:15, Romans 4:18, 8:24, 15:4,13, I Corinthians 13:13, Ephesians 4:4, Colossians 1:5, Titus 2:13, Hebrews 7:19, 10:23, 11:1, 2 Thessalonians 2:16, I Peter 3, 13, 3:15, I John 3:3,
Deuteronomy 3:16, Psalm 23, 31:24, 33:18, 37:307, 39:7, 42:11, 71:5, 14, 131:3, 146:5, Proverbs 14:32, Jeremiah 17:7*, 29:11, Joel 3:16, Hosea 2:15

Introduction: In the Book of Numbers 32:23b, we find Moses declaring to the Children of Israel, that they need to live for God from a whole heart and not with a halfhearted service unto Him, for they would be sure of this, “that their sin will find them out!” You and I are not fooling anyone, especially God, when we live before Him and serve Him in whatever capacity we do, when we do it from a half- hearted desire! Let us remember that God has provided all we need to live an abundant life for Him, and He has declared in His word, that He will forgive all our sins and heal our souls and spirits when we turn to Him in true repentance as the one and only true God!4 Negative Effects of Sin with a Positive Counter from God’s Word
#1 – Our Regrets – Luke 22:59-62 – May our regrets not define who we really are!2 Corinthians 7:10* – Our salvation will leave no regret! #2 – Our Reputation – I Corinthians 15:33 – The Company you keep matters!Proverbs 22:1 – There’s not much better than a good name! #3 – Our Relationships – Proverbs 16:28 – Gossip isn’t a gift of the Spirit!Proverbs 18:24 – Jesus is our closest friend!#4 – Our Remembrances – Lamentations 3:19-20 – Sin’s recollections, when recalled to mind, always bring sorrow to our souls!Lamentations 3:21-23 – But God’s grace overcomes them all!Conclusion: Let me conclude with these “positive counters” from God’s Word, concerning the effects of sin in our lives:–Hebrews 10:27 – Then he adds; ‘Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.”
–Psalm 103:11-12** – “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.”
–Isaiah 1:18 – “Come now, let us reason together,” says the Lord. “Though you sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” –Micah 7:18-19 – “Who is a God like you, who pardons sin aNd forgives the transgression of the remnant of His inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; You will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.”Let’s Pray! 🙂

Introduction: I know that many folk do not like a message that speaks about the “do’s” and “don’ts” of Christianity! But it’s interesting that in God’s word we find just that! Take Deuteronomy 4 for instance, where Moses gives God’s decrees that are good for the Iseraites to do, and then told what not to do, to live well before God! Moses tells the children of Israel; “To do all I am commanding you today that it may go well with you and your children!” and then following with what they are not to do, by declaring; “Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but (do this instead) keep the commands of the Lord your God that I give you.” Today, we’ll focus on what we are “not to do” while we wait on God!WHAT “NOT TO DO” WHILE WE WAIT! – I Samuel 13
DO NOT Walk in Disobedience – Genesis 3:10-11
Notes: (A good working definition of sin is: “Deliberate disobedience of the known law of God”)DO NOT Make Excuses for Sin – Exodus 32:24 (Gen 3:12, 13)
Notes: (Saul’s excuses stem from Saul’s pride, to justify Saul’s wrong doing!)DO NOT Offer Unacceptable Sacrifices to God – Leviticus 10:1-2 Notes: (Any acceptable sacrifice before God will be a wholehearted one!)DO NOT Fail to Obey God’s Command – I Samuel 10:8 – 13:5-14*
Notes: (Saul was not uniformed as to what God wanted him to do, and either are we!)Conclusion: In closing, we need to remember something about King Saul and why the kingdom was torn from him, and it’s this; Saul had become so rebellious and arrogant, which both are serious sins, that it’s no wonder that God finally rejected him as king, and took away his kingdom! Unfortunately as well, we find Saul here in this story more concerned about his own reputation, than the present status of his relationship with God! If and when, we ever get to this point in life, it’s time to only do one thing, that’s to confess our sin before God…….seriously, and sincerely,…….and yes, let it be followed by repenting or our sin before Him, and crying out for His mercy, before it’s too late!Let’s Pray! 🙂

Introduction: In our modern society, we’ve gotten to the point that it’s difficult to “wait” for something…..anything! In fact, it’s become really difficult for any of us, especially our children, to wait for something…anything, due to the fact that most everything comes so quickly now…..text messages in seconds, fast food in the same (but watch out if takes a minute or two!), instant breakfast, and even traveling across the country or the world takes only hours now, verses days!What to Do While we Wait – Habakkuk 2:1-4 (Romans 8:19, 23, I Thess 1:10, Titus 2:13) Keep our Watch for God – Matthew 24:42, 25:13, Mark 13:33, Luke 12:37
Notes:Remain Faithful to God – I Samuel 12:24, Hebrews 11:1 (Hab 2:4 – Live by faith) (Because Better things are to come!)

Conclusion: As we wait for Christ to come again, we need to wait patiently, for patience is not indifference, but it conveys the idea of an immensely strong rock withstanding all onslaughts that come its way! Our endurance will be by the fact that we have waited patiently for the One who will come, and when He does, He will bring all things needed with Him, namely, our full Salvation! When He comes, the waiting will have seemed as if we’ve never waited at all, for when He comes, it will be sudden, and His appearing will take over all else, and consume even the years of our waiting!

Introduction: Since “waiting” is something each of us do every day; waiting on the toast to pop up, for one’s coffee to finish brewing, at the stop light, in line at DQ, while the guy in front of you is driving 29 in a 45 for the last 10 miles, for our spouse to finally leave the house so we can get to Church service on time, and the list goes on and on! I gave prayerful meditation on returning to this biblical practice once again, to see what we can learn visiting a second time, and what we might have missed the first time around!“WAITING ON GOD” is to be a Biblical Practice of God’s People!From the Prophet Isaiah Alone:

– Isaiah 8:17 – We wait even when His face seems hidden!

– Isaiah 25:9 – We wait upon God in trust for our salvation!

– Isaiah 26:8 – We wait as we remember God and His name each day!

– Isaiah 30:18 – We wait in hope of His divine grace fills our lives!

– Isaiah 40:31 – We wait to be filled with a Spiritual Renewal and Power!

– Isaiah 42:4 – We wait in hope for His Law to bring justice to our land!

– Isaiah 49:23 – We wait in hope that is not disappointing!

– Isaiah 51:5 – We wait in hope for God’s Right Arm to bring salvation!

– Isaiah 59:9 – We wait on God for His light to appear even in the darkness!

– Isaiah 60:9 – We wait for God whose name is the Holy One of Israel!

– Isaiah 64:4 – We wait on God for His providence to be seen in our lives!Notes:Conclusion: Eleven times in 64 chapters, the Prophet Isaiah admonishes God’s people to take the time, to “wait” upon their God! I am reminded that we are God’s people, and with that in mind, my pray is that we will take Isaiah’s admonishment to heart, and spend the time each day to do just that, “wait upon the Lord!” May we never forget that as we daily wait upon Him, we can expect to be rewarded by our “waiting”, with His power and presence meeting all our needs!Let’s Pray! 🙂

Introduction: Let me share once again, that as Christian Believers, we are to live a “Faith driven life”, verses a “Fear driven one.” The Apostle Paul truly exemplified such a life. We’ll see him today, stoned, drug out of the city of Lystra, and left for dead! But after his brothers and sisters prayed over him, and God began to breathe life back into his soul and spirit, he was able to sit up, then stand up, and to never shut up about his God and Savior Jesus Christ! That’s the kind of “faith and courage” I’ve been talking about these past three weeks, and that’s the kind of “faith and courage” all of us who claim Christ are to live, if we truly are His followers!THE FAITH AND COURAGE OF THE APOSTILE PAUL’S LOVE FOR CHRISTHis Conversion and Immediate Service for God – Acts 9:1-31

– Glorying God in His Infirmities! – Phil 4:13………….God used Paul to write it!! Notes:Conclusion: How can one conclude with so much life being shared as we have done today? How to conclude? Live for Jesus every day in every way, so as to live our lives pleasing to Him, in the “faith and courage” He strengthens us with to

Introduction: It’s interesting that the religious leaders of Jesus day knew that Peter and John, being unschooled as they were, were still amazed at what being with Jesus had done in their lives! Just as Jesus in the heart and lives of Peter and John changed their lives, giving them a true “faith and courage”, the same can be true in our lives today as well. For Peter and John there was no other name or way that gives eternal life, but the name of Jesus, and putting one’s faith in Him. Today, it’s time to share that faith, with courage! Somebody say: “AMEN!”THE FAITH AND COURAGE OF THE EARLY DISCIPLESPeter & John – Acts 4:7-13 & 18-22

– Their Focus on Jesus and Fellowship with Him! – Hebrews 12:1-2, I John 1:3, Rev. 3:20

– His Faithfulness to God helps brings Gentiles to Christ! – Rom 10:12, Rev. 22:17Notes:Conclusion: It’s not going to be by our words alone that others will believe in the Christ who dwells with in us, but by our life of “faith and courage” lived as witnesses for Him! Our faith can be strengthened and encouraged as we obey the Lord’s leading just like those we’ve learned about today. Let us; follow the Spirit’s leadership, share the gospel of Christ and what Jesus has done in our lives, and continue to be active in prayer, so as to be prepared to do the same, day after day, until we see Him as He is! Remember, our witness for Jesus does not need to be a long sermon, but a simple life lived by God’s love, and our “faith and courage” in Christ!Let’s Pray! 🙂

Introduction: Today we’ll listen to the Holy Spirit speaking through the Apostle Paul, giving admonition to all who believe, to stand firm and courageous in the faith, as found in I Corinthians 16:13 – “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men (and women) of courage; be strong.” This may seem a short exhortation, and have only a few words relating to our subject for the day, but when one takes the time to walk through the admonition, it becomes much more than what one might first hear! Let’s look and see what we can discover about our “faith” and “courage” in Christ Jesus!! :-)PAUL’S ADMONITION TO ALL WHO BELIEVE – I Corinthians 16:13I. Standing Firm in the Faith not being moved from our Secure Position in Christ! – Being Straightforward in our Calling by God – Joshua 23:6-8
– Being Watchful against Sin & Temptation – Matthew 26:41
– Being Confident in Christ verse the Flesh – I Corinthians 10:12-13- Being Steadfast in your Commitment – I Corinthians 15:58 Notes:II. Being Men and Women of Courage in our Commitments to Christ!
– Be Courageous and Willing to Stand in the Gap for God – Ezekiel 22:30
– Be Courageous and Strong for God All the days of your Life – I Kings 2:2-3
– Be Courageous and Strong in your Calling like Queen Esther – Esther 4:12-16* – Be Courageous and Spiritually Strong for God in Evil Times – Zechariah 8:9 Notes:Conclusion: I believe the secret to our “faith” and “courage” in Christ, is that we continually keep our hearts in tune with God at all times, through obedience to His word. For when we trust God, and His Word, our faith can courageously face anything in life without wavering, like those that we just learned from God’s word did! And finally, if I do anything in this life for Christ, I want to live it courageously by faith for Him ………….everyday! How about………you?Let’s Pray! 🙂

Introduction: Let’s begin with looking at good working definitions of both “Faith” and “Courage!” Faith: “A trust, or trustworthiness. An assurance, a personal surrender to God, or a conduct inspired by such surrender…a faith, an assurance, and belief that rest’s in God and in God alone!” Courage: “To have a confidence in and being confident of, that God will grant us a boldness to live for Him, as well as a faith that declares it true! A bold confidence in God and His word, namely, the Word that became flesh……..the courage of Jesus!” With the faith and courage of Jesus, may we never shrink back from our calling as believers, always knowing, Jesus never shrank back from His calling by the Father!THE FAITH & COURAGE OF JESUS
—In the Temple Teaching the Scribes & Pharisee’s at age 12!- Luke 2:41- 52 Notes:—In the Desert Wilderness at the Beginning of His Ministry! – Luke 4:1-14Notes:—On His Final Journey to Jerusalem where He knew He would be Crucified! – Luke 9:51-62Notes:—His Garden Experience, His Arrest, His Trial, His Scourging, His Carrying His Cross down the Via Della Rosa and His Crucifixion!- Luke 22:1 – 23:46Conclusion: May we, as Jesus disciples, live with the same “faith & courage” that He did all His life, even unto His death….even unto the reinstatement of Peter and all the disciples back into the fold…that took a huge amount of courage to do such….and faith, banking on the fact that they all just denied, betrayed and deserted you…..would they welcome you back or begin the same treatment it all over again!!! It takes a strong faith and courage to live as Christians….it takes the faith and courage of Jesus! Let’s Pray! 🙂